Focus on big issues

I posted this last year. Focus on big issues. I must remind myself constantly.

This was written by a woman who was at that time, not able to see any light at the end of the tunnel and struggled with a host of money, health issues and fighting to finish her PhD. I shall never forget that part of my life. Never, ever.

Post thesis submission malady

After 1/2 decade of slogging it out and centering your life on "the thesis", you realise that you are now suddenly defenseless without it (defense is not over yet! They still have not inform me when it will be conducted) .

No. You no longer can no longer say:

"Sorry. I have to do my thesis"
(Probably the most important sounding phrase I have ever used in my life. Add "phD" in front of thesis if the bugger pester you too much)

"...alright. AFTER I finished that darn dissertation..."

" My thesis is getting me crazy!"
(therefore, leave me alone, and don't ask me to clean up the house!)

"I am concentrating on writing my thesis first...."
(In response to the forever annoying "how many papers have you published?", usually asked my smart aleck first years who will have a taste of their bitter medicine a few years later)

I am going through separation anxiety and all. I am enjoying the freedom so much that I don't even feel like writing up the papers.....and yet, I feel so terribly bored!!

Special Christmas

This is the first ever Christmas, which is celebrated as a NON-PHD student!!

The feeling is great. You could eat, sleep, do whatever you want and not feel a single ounce of guilt. I feel so liberated once my PhD thesis was submitted. That was about one month ago.

Now I am sort of like looking forward to my defense/oral examination.